Two Wrongs Make a Right Ch.41

-Trifa, Mistral-

Trifa stood in the warehouse of Ironvein, the SDC mining town carved into the mountains of central Mistral, with a tablet in her hands. Her eyes scanned the inventory list she'd been given access to by the foreman—a gruff human who barely acknowledged her existence beyond barking orders. He worked directly under the overseer of the town, who served as the de-facto ruler of this miserable settlement.

The town sat strategically in the mountain range that separated Mistral's lush jungles from the arid deserts beyond. Despite the crushing misery that permeated every corner of this place, it remained remarkably free of Grimm incursions. The natural barriers of the mountains and the constant patrols kept the creatures at bay, even when the negativity should have caused the place to be swarmed and razed.

It hadn't been difficult to infiltrate the SDC workforce. She'd crafted a CV emphasizing her desire to "work for experience"—essentially free labor for a couple of months. That always worked to get any company to hire her, no questions asked. And it had been laughably easy to pass her hand markings off as tattoos. 

Humans saw what they wanted to see, after all.

Now she was tasked with checking inventory and other menial work; exactly what she'd been looking for. She glanced back at the equipment stored in rows: drilling rigs, explosive charges, older generation machinery, laser cutters, reinforced carts, and various other tools. Work equipment that would serve her people well once the High Leader came to raze this cursed town to the ground.

The menial work they kept dumping on her was tedious but valuable. It gave her almost unrestricted access to areas most workers never saw, and more importantly, it provided crucial intelligence about the town's layout and potential vulnerabilities.

From a tactical perspective, Ironvein was both impressive and deeply concerning. The town itself was built into a natural bowl formation carved between two mountain peaks, with the mine entrance at the lowest point and residential areas climbing up the sides in tiered levels. High walls of reinforced concrete enclosed the perimeter, topped with razor wire and other type of barricades.

The SDC had positioned eight watch towers at strategic intervals around the perimeter—two guarding the main entrance checkpoint, three overlooking the mine shaft and processing facilities, and three monitoring the residential districts and common areas. Each tower rose at least forty feet high, giving guards clear sightlines across the entire settlement. She'd counted at least four guards per tower during day shifts, three at night, all of them armed with what appeared to be military-grade rifles, meant to kill, not stun.

But the towers were only part of the security apparatus. Armed patrols moved through the town in rotating shifts—teams of three to four security personnel walking predetermined routes through the residential blocks, the work yards, and around the mine entrance. They carried stun batons, firearms, and radios that kept them in constant contact with the central command post. Although that was a little old equipment considering the other technologies they have. The patrols overlapped intentionally, ensuring that no area went unwatched for more than ten minutes at a time.

Surveillance drones patrolled in predictable patterns every fifteen minutes, their routes covering every major pathway and intersection. It was almost like there was no privacy for the miners at all. 

The residential blocks themselves were arranged to be easier to patrol and all of them had identical prefabricated structures with barred windows and reinforced doors that locked from the outside during curfew hours. The workers' mess hall operated on strict schedules, with guards monitoring entry and exit. Even the latrines were positioned within sight of patrol routes or the watchtowers.

The communications hub was centralized in the overseer's compound—a fortified structure at the town's highest point, surrounded by its own secondary wall and guarded checkpoint. Taking it out would blind the entire settlement. The power grid ran through three main substations, all visible from guard towers and regularly inspected by patrols. Cutting those would be far more difficult than she'd initially hoped.

The real problem was her limited access to security equipment. The armory, weapons lockers, and security gear were all kept in restricted areas she couldn't reach without raising suspicion. She'd only managed glimpses through windows and during shift changes—enough to know they were well-stocked with firearms, armor, and riot suppression gear, but not enough to gauge their full strength. That gap in her intelligence frustrated her. She needed to know exactly what kind of resistance her High Leader would face, but the security forces kept their assets carefully segregated from the general view.

The work equipment she had access to could certainly be useful—mining charges could be repurposed as explosives, heavy vehicles could breach barriers, and industrial tools made decent improvised weapons. But without knowing the security forces' full strength and armament, planning the assault would be slightly more difficult.

What surprised her most was finding human workers among the labor force. It was a small population—roughly thirty percent of the miners—while the rest were faunus. And they weren't being treated any differently. Both groups suffered equally under the same brutal efficiency, though they were carefully segregated in separate residential blocks. Humans on the eastern tiers, faunus on the western. Separate, but equally miserable.

Trifa felt no sympathy for the humans—they were still part of the system that had oppressed her people for generations. But the revelation was… interesting. Perhaps it could work in their favor. Divided groups meant potential for chaos, and chaos was an exploitable weakness. If the humans could be convinced that joining the faunus in revolt served their interests, the assault would face less internal resistance. Or at the very least, they wouldn't coordinate an effective defense.

The town itself had an oppressive amount of surveillance infrastructure, that much was obvious. The level of control was suffocating, squeezing the workers like resources rather than people.

Which was exactly what they were doing—using them as resources. Everything looked calculated to the minimal detail to extract maximum productivity from each worker, leaving everyone exhausted but just functional enough to continue. Wake at dawn, work until dusk, eat meager rations, sleep in cramped quarters, repeat. It was systematic exploitation elevated to an art form, a machine designed to consume human and faunus bodies alike until they broke and were replaced.

She had expected the usual human oppression and racism that fueled the coalition drive to fight for a better tomorrow. But this? This was something more coldly efficient. The SDC megacorporation had perfected a system that treated everyone—human and faunus alike—as expendable components in their profit machine. They'd removed the racial element almost entirely, replacing it with pure economic exploitation.

It was still monstrous, just in a different way. And it wouldn't stop what was coming.

Trifa made another notation on her tablet, documenting the timing of patrol rotations and the locations of chokepoints in the residential blocks. The foreman thought she was simply doing inventory. He had no idea she was cataloging everything that would help her High Leader tear this place apart.

Soon. Very soon.

She just needed to finish her reconnaissance and deliver her report. Then her High Leader would have everything he needed to strike. 

But until then, she could lay the groundwork.

Trifa's eyes drifted toward the mess hall kitchen visible through the warehouse's side entrance. She'd already been assigned inventory duty there twice this week, giving her access to the food storage and kitchen. The security personnel ate separately from the general workforce, but their meals came from the same kitchen, prepared by the same exhausted cooks who barely paid attention.

Poisoning their food would be child's play. Nothing lethal because that would draw too much attention. But something to cause widespread diarrhea among the security forces? That would be perfectly manageable. 

It wouldn't cripple them, but it would create some chaos.

She couldn't take down the main grid without proper equipment and backup, but she could create localized failures. Damaged wiring here, a loosened connection there. Small enough to look like normal wear and tear from the harsh mountain environment, but disruptive enough to force maintenance crews to spread thin.

Death by a thousand cuts.

---------------------------------------------------

-Adam Taurus-

So it's been two weeks, and the advanced forge construction has been completed and is now fully operational, all thanks to the Pods' guidance and technical expertise. With that critical infrastructure online, many of our other projects have significantly accelerated their construction timelines, especially the refinery. Once that facility is complete, we can transition a substantial portion of our infrastructure and vehicles to use refined oil which is gasoline instead of expensive Dust, the biggest advantage against any of the Kingdoms.

But for now, I can only wait and plan our next moves.

I'm currently reading through Trifa's comprehensive report about the mining town called Ironvein. Despite being there for just over a week, she's accomplished an impressive amount of espionage work. The settlement isn't actually close to the outpost we discovered and destroyed weeks ago—it's positioned considerably deeper in the mountain range—but they're connected through the same supply network, which is exactly the kind of vulnerability we can exploit. Most importantly, the current overseer doesn't seem to know about or particularly care about that outpost, which plays directly into our hands.

There's apparently another mining town even farther up north in the mountain range—something to investigate later. More critically for our immediate interest, she's identified that the forces capable of actual combat in Ironvein number approximately one hundred personnel, including their complement of combat drones and robots. The civilian population numbers in the thousands, predominantly Faunus but with a significant human minority as well—not particularly surprising given the mega corporation labor practices.

Still, that's a surprisingly small defensive force for a town of this size, but the report explains the decision; the settlement's location in the mountain range makes conventional defense significantly easier and more resource-efficient. There's essentially only one viable entrance, which also serves as the sole exit—a natural chokepoint that's been heavily reinforced and automated weapons array emplacements. Any direct frontal assault would be extraordinarily costly in terms of casualties and resources, likely requiring forces three to four times larger than the defending garrison. Which makes it perfect for defending against Grimm hordes and possible insurgency.

I continue reading, noting another crucial detail: Trifa learned that the town maintains regular communications with an Atlas military base in the region and can call for reinforcements if threatened. However, estimated response time would be approximately thirty minutes minimum, accounting for mobilization procedures and the distance their rapid response units would need to cover. Considering Ironvein's very strong defensive position at that fortified chokepoint, that half-hour window would be more than sufficient for them to hold out against most conventional attacks that might seem capable of overwhelming their defenses.

She did a fantastic job. Exactly what I expected from her capabilities.

Now comes the difficult part: planning the attack.

I lean back in my chair, tapping my fingers against the desk as I consider our options. Direct frontal assault is completely out of the question—far too many casualties for uncertain gains, and we'd be playing directly into their advantages. Siege tactics would harm the civilian population more than the military forces, which is the most important disqualifying factor, but also it would take far too long and allow them ample time to call for reinforcements. Besides, we simply don't have the numbers or the heavy equipment necessary to mount an effective siege operation, anyway. We need something that bypasses their defenses entirely.

Then the solution hits me, and I snap my fingers.

Cyber warfare. 

Hacking their systems. I can send the Pods to infiltrate and compromise their main network infrastructure, forcing a complete energy shutdown that would leave them practically crippled from a military standpoint. Also, no communications means no ability to contact anyone outside for reinforcements. No combat drones or automated defenses means their effective fighting force drops dramatically from one hundred to maybe thirty or forty actual soldiers. No security systems means we can approach the settlement without triggering alarms and no automated defenses. 

Then we launch the assault while they're blind, confused, disorganized, and isolated.

I'll lead the assault personally this time—mostly to deal with any unexpected surprises they might have hidden. There's always the possibility of contingencies, failsafes, or hidden weapons that wouldn't show up in intelligence reports, and I need to be on site to adapt.

For now, I need to discuss this approach with Pod and draft a detailed plan. So I connect with him.

"Pod, I need you in my office immediately."

"UNDERSTOOD, COMMANDER."

I pull up a map of the region in my vision, marking Ironvein's precise location and then begin sketching the town's layout along with the reported positions of their defenses based on Trifa's intel.

Pod materializes through the portal exactly thirty seconds later, floating to my side.

"COMMANDER. AWAITING TACTICAL BRIEFING AND MISSION PARAMETERS."

"We're planning a coordinated assault on the SDC mining town designated Ironvein," I begin, transmitting the map data which he immediately projects as a detailed three-dimensional holographic model on my desk. "But we're not engaging through conventional approaches or their fortified entrance. I want you to analyze the possibility of executing a complete network shutdown of their entire systems infrastructure before we commit ground forces."

I forward Trifa's full intelligence report to him. "Review this data thoroughly and provide your opinion. Can we compromise their network infrastructure remotely from a safe distance, or will you need to physically infiltrate their systems to achieve our first objective?"

Pod remains silent for approximately ten seconds.

"ANALYSIS COMPLETE, COMMANDER. THIS STANDARD POD UNIT POSSESSES NO CAPABILITY FOR REMOTE NETWORK INTRUSION OR WIRELESS SYSTEM COMPROMISE FROM EXTERNAL POSITIONS. SUCH ADVANCED HACKING OPERATIONS ARE ONLY VIABLE FOR SCANNER UNITS." 

So he means only Nines can do it.

"SUCCESSFULLY COMPROMISING THE TOWN'S ENERGY NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRES PHYSICAL ACCESS TO THEIR MAIN POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER AND PRIMARY SERVER NODES. ESTIMATED TIME TO ACHIEVE COMPLETE SYSTEM CONTROL ONCE PHYSICAL CONNECTION IS ESTABLISHED: THREE MINUTES MAXIMUM."

I nod, already anticipating that answer based on Pod's demonstrated capabilities. Nines would be absolutely perfect for this operation since she already proved her exceptional hacking skills when we extracted Roman from the Isocube facility. But I don't want to involve her in this. "Can you execute this operation successfully?"

"AFFIRMATIVE, COMMANDER. OPTIMAL EXECUTION WINDOW WOULD BE AT EVENING. ONCE DIRECT CONNECTION TO THEIR PRIMARY SYSTEMS IS ESTABLISHED, I CAN MAINTAIN REMOTE CONTROL INDEFINITELY, INCLUDING ANY BACKUP GENERATORS OR REDUNDANT SYSTEMS THEY MIGHT ACTIVATE. THIS CONTROL WOULD PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGES FOR YOUR ASSAULT PHASE."

"Perfect. We'll hit them simultaneously, which would leave them virtually no time to mount a proper defense." I pause, emphasizing the next point. "And remember—this operation must remain controlled. We avoid harming the civilian population at all costs."

We would lose all sympathy otherwise.

"UNDERSTOOD, COMMANDER. RULES OF ENGAGEMENT PRIORITIZE CIVILIAN SAFETY. LETHAL FORCE AUTHORIZED ONLY AGAINST CONFIRMED MILITARY TARGETS AND ACTIVE COMBATANTS."

After that we spend the next hour meticulously drafting the plan and developing contingencies for every possible scenario, with particular emphasis on Grimm being attracted to the fight, or gods forbid it, a behemoth. Pod makes this process easier by projecting various simulations on the holographic display, allowing us to visualize different approaches and their potential outcomes. We account for everything from Grimm tide interference to the possibility of hidden weapons systems or defensive protocols not mentioned in Trifa's comprehensive report. Emergency extraction routes, fallback positions, alternate infiltration paths—every detail gets documented, analyzed, and integrated into the master plan.

"COMMANDER, PRELIMINARY OPERATIONAL PLAN IS COMPLETE. CONTINGENCY PROTOCOLS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR SEVENTEEN DISTINCT POTENTIAL SCENARIOS, INCLUDING FIVE HIGH-PROBABILITY GRIMM INTERFERENCE SITUATIONS."

"Excellent work," I acknowledge, reviewing the final tactical framework with satisfaction. "Now I need to coordinate with the Albain brothers to determine our actual assault force composition and available personnel. Once I have those confirmed numbers, we can finalize the troop deployment assignments and specific mission roles."

"UNDERSTOOD, COMMANDER. THIS UNIT WILL CONTINUE OPTIMIZING THE CURRENT PLAN."

With the initial planning phase complete, I shift topics to our other projects. "What's the current status of the refinery?"

"ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME: THREE ADDITIONAL WEEKS. PHYSICAL CONSTRUCTION ITSELF COULD BE COMPLETED IN ONE WEEK WITH CURRENT RESOURCE ALLOCATION. HOWEVER, EXTENDED TIMELINE ACCOUNTS FOR CONCURRENT COMPREHENSIVE WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAMS. PERSONNEL MUST ACHIEVE OPERATIONAL COMPETENCY BEFORE FACILITY ACTIVATION TO ENSURE MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY AND CRITICAL SAFETY PROTOCOL COMPLIANCE."

I nod in approval at his way of thinking. "That's the far more effective use of time and resources. Having an advanced refinery facility sitting idle while we scramble to train competent operators would be a massive waste of both the facility's potential output and our limited qualified manpower. Much better to have everything prepared and operational simultaneously."

"AFFIRMATIVE, COMMANDER. COORDINATED COMPLETION STRATEGY ENSURES IMMEDIATE OPERATIONAL CAPACITY."

"Dismissed, Pod. Continue monitoring the training programs closely and keep me updated on any significant developments or potential issues."

"UNDERSTOOD, COMMANDER." Pod floats smoothly toward the portal and disappears through the red vortex.

Almost immediately after his departure, there's a confident knock at my door. I adjusted my collar first.

"Come in."

The door opens to reveal Ilia carrying another stack of documents, though her expression carries a faint smile. She closes the door behind her and approaches my desk, setting down the new stack of paperwork.

Before that would annoy me but it just takes me less than 5 minutes to go through it all. Love the Administration Talent.

"This whole sorting is still difficult, but thankfully most of these are intelligence reports from our expanding network," she explains, gesturing to the neatly organized documents. "Nothing urgent that requires immediate action, but there are some interesting developments in Vale's criminal underworld you should definitely be aware of. Apparently, Roman's return has caused quite a—"

"Before we get to those reports," I interrupt gently, "I need to brief you on our next major operation."

Ilia's entire posture shifts immediately at those words. "Operation?"

"We're planning a coordinated assault on Ironvein—one of the SDC's mining towns. Our primary objective is the complete liberation of the exploited population." I pull up a tablet displaying the map, showing her the location and detailed defensive layout. "Just as expected Trifa's been conducting deep cover intelligence gathering there for the past weeks."

Ilia's eyes widen noticeably with surprise before her expression transforms into fierce determination. "Finally," she breathes, her voice carrying barely suppressed excitement and something deeper—vindication. "We're finally taking the fight directly back to the SDC where it hurts them most."

Her hands clench slightly at her sides.

I watch her reaction carefully before continuing. "We're in the final planning stages now. It will be swift—they won't know what hit them until it's far too late. But I need you to understand, Ilia—this is going to be dangerous. We'll be in deep in Atlas-controlled territory with limited support options." I pause, making sure she understands. "And there's a significant risk of attracting Grimm to the combat zone once the fighting starts."

Yes, despite technically being in Mistral's territorial jurisdiction, this region is unofficially Atlas-controlled territory. Just another way for them to project power and influence, because Mistral's government can't do anything and despite the families having as much control they have they still can only lower their heads against Atlas military might.

"I completely understand the risks involved, Adam," she says immediately, her voice steady and absolutely committed. "When do we move? I'll start preparing immediately."

"The operation launches exactly one week from today. That timeline gives you ample time to prepare mentally and physically, train with any new equipment, and..." I meet her eyes directly with complete seriousness. "Or rethink whether you want to be part of this. There's no shame in sitting this one out, Ilia."

This isn’t meant to offend her or diminish her strength but after the Brachydios fight that evolved into open warfare, things can go bad really fast and I won’t be around at every moment to help her.

Ilia straightens her posture, her expression transforming into the same determination. "I won't disappoint you, Adam. I couldn't live with myself if I sat on the sidelines while you're liberating our people from the SDC. You have my word—I'll be ready, and I'll be at my best."

"You never disappoint me, Ilia. That's why I trust you."

Her cheeks flush a distinct, visible pink at the direct compliment, and she quickly looks away. "Don’t... Don’t say it like that." She clears her throat, trying to regain her composure. "Should I coordinate with the other team members?"

"Not yet. I need to finalize some details with the Albain brothers first. For now, focus on your own preparations." I pause, then add more gently, watching her expression carefully, "And Ilia? If you need anything—equipment, training, even just someone to talk through concerns with—just ask. I'll do everything I can to help you."

Ilia's expression shifts, becoming almost playfully challenging as she steps closer to my desk. "Actually, there is something I need help with." She reaches down and places her weapon on my desk. "Help me upgrade my weapon. You did the same with Sienna's weapon." Her tone takes on a teasing edge "Don't leave your girlfriend feeling left out in the cold, Adam. I need the same advantages if I'm going into combat alongside everyone else."

Right, Sienna was extremely pleased—almost giddy—with her improved Cerberus.

"Of course."

That shouldn’t take long.

-------------------------------------------------

I've returned to the Company Trade Hub, but this time I'm not alone—I've brought company with me. Specifically, I'm escorting Atago, Kawakaze, and Asanagi to the Azur Lane floor, and the scene that greets us is... extraordinarily unique.

There are shipgirls everywhere. Hundreds of them, which seems reasonable given this is their floor, just like the RWBY floor had lots of Rubys and Jaunes walking around. But what catches me completely off guard is the sheer number of young girls—not women, but actual children who look like early teenagers or even younger—running around energetically, laughing and playing tag between the various stalls and displays. It's like observing a massive school excursion more than anything. I even spotted several men in pristine white naval uniforms leading organized groups of these shipgirls.

That's... strange.

"Wow, I didn't expect this level of... childish energy," Atago comments beside me, her usual playful demeanor noticeably subdued as she takes in the chaotic yet cheerful scene. Her wolf's ears twitch repeatedly at the constant noise and laughter filling the space.

"So many potential rivals for the Commander's attention! Though most of them look like they should be in elementary school." Asanagi chimes in with a cheeky observation. "Not that they'd stand a chance against me, obviously."

Chance? Seriously, Asanagi?

Kawakaze simply nods in silent agreement, her expression maintaining its typical stoic neutrality.

Atago's expression shifts dramatically to something far more conflicted and melancholic as she observes a particular fox-eared shipgirl laughing enthusiastically with a group of destroyer-class girls. "Seeing so many of our friends here... but they aren't really them, are they?" She sighs heavily. "It's so incredibly strange and disorienting. They look identical, sound exactly the same, even have similar mannerisms... but these people are not them, they have different memories, and lives. It's like looking at ghosts of people who never really died in the traditional sense." Her voice drops to barely a whisper. "But I saw them die... I held some of them in my arms as they sank..."

Every shipgirl immediately lowers her head solemnly, their ears going flat against their heads in shared grief.

That... that must be extraordinarily difficult for them psychologically—encountering alternate versions of fallen comrades who don't share their traumatic history or recognize them beyond superficial physical similarities. I find myself wondering what tragic events befell their original world.

Better to complete our business quickly and return them home before the nostalgia and grief becomes overwhelming enough to affect their mental state.

I gesture firmly for them to follow me, deliberately breaking their depressing train of thoughts.

Obviously, part of my preparation for the Ironvein liberation campaign was to finally get the shipgirls fully armed with higher-quality weapons systems and advanced combat components. I wasn't initially planning to deploy them in the actual ground assault for numerous obvious reasons, but they represent a critical fallback contingency plan in case a behemoth is attracted to the fight or happens to be walking nearby. Pod would provide early warning of course, but I firmly believe in maintaining multiple backup options to ensure both mission success and survival of my people.

We navigate through the crowded floor, weaving between groups of enthusiastic shipgirls and vendor stalls, until we reach a clearly marked retrofit station with prominent signage. A petite green-haired cat-girl whose name tag identifies her as "Akashi" is currently stationed there managing the facility. She's remarkably short—even shorter than Asanagi, which is saying something—and appears to be the primary technician in charge. She greets our arrival with an enormous yawn that displays her sharp fangs before quickly pulling out an equipment chart displaying options ranging from 1-star to 6-star ratings.

"Welcome, nya~!" She stretches her arms lazily.. "Looking for complete retrofits today? Let me explain our current pricing structure, nya!" She taps the interactive chart with a small metal pointer. "Complete retrofitting packages for 1-star or 2-star equipment quality are free of charge. 3-star quality retrofits cost one credit per individual shipgirl. 4-star quality runs three credits each. 5-star premium is five credits per unit, nya." She pauses with deliberate dramatic timing. "And our top-tier 6-star premium retrofitting is ten credits per shipgirl. All pricing is calculated per individual vessel, and unfortunately, there are no bulk purchase discounts available regardless of quantity, nya."

Why does she persistently say "nya" after every sentence? Some sort of verbal tic?

Regardless, that pricing structure doesn't sound unreasonable.

"Will this count for everything? Like every piece of equipment possible on each shipgirl? And most importantly if this upgrade will be the best for each one." I need to be sure.

"Absolutely guaranteed, nya! We conduct a data analysis and select optimal loadouts based on their model and design, fighting style, and tactical preferences, nya!"

"I want 6-star retrofitting! I absolutely deserve at least that much premium treatment after everything I've accomplished!" Asanagi suddenly shouts as she steps forward, her multiple tails swishing excitedly behind her.

"No." all three of us—me, Atago, and Kawakaze—respond in perfect unison.

"You're all so incredibly mean to me! I'm the very best and the very best who deserves proper recognition!" The immediate unanimous dismissal makes Asanagi cross her arms defensively and pout, her ears drooping dramatically to emphasize her fake point.

I ignore her theatrics and sulking before I turn my attention back to Akashi. "If I were to upgrade equipment to higher tiers, the older equipment could be given to you, would there be any buyback discount program available?"

"Minimal recovery value, nya. Maybe 10% maximum of original cost, depending heavily on equipment tier so if it's basic 1-star equipment, you'll receive absolutely nothing in return, nya."

"And hypothetically speaking, if I wanted to establish our own independent production line and facilities without relying on you—what would the absolute minimum requirements be?"

Akashi's feline eyes light up. "Oh, that's an ambitious undertaking, nya! You'd absolutely need a proper naval harbor facility with adequate deep-water port access first and automated cranes—can't possibly retrofit warships effectively on a shallow beach or river dock, nya. Then you'd require specialized heavy industrial facilities including precision manufacturing equipment, advanced weapons fabrication systems, comprehensive metallurgy foundries for hull production..." She methodically counts off requirements on her small fingers. "Also extensively trained technicians who thoroughly understand shipgirl-specific modification protocols, comprehensive parts inventory management systems, rigorous quality control inspection procedures, and ideally direct supply contracts with ammunition manufacturers and specialized equipment producers, nya. You would have to practically construct an entire dedicated industrial city just for shipgirl maintenance, nya!"

That's... an enormous resource investment. And tragically not remotely feasible for Menagerie's current infrastructure or geographical limitations.

"One final question—why exactly are the 1-star and 2-star equipment offered completely free of charge?"

Akashi grins widely, showing her fangs once more. "Massive equipment surplus combined with training requirements, nya! Those low-quality items are manufactured specifically for training apprentice smiths and junior technicians, nya. They practice fundamental manufacturing techniques to create 1-star and 2-star equipment and they make LOTS of those so there's virtually no real commercial or military demand for that quality level anyway, nya! So we distribute it completely free just to clear valuable storage space and provide hands-on training opportunities, nya!"

That makes practical sense.

After carefully considering all available options and meticulously weighing costs against tangible benefits, I make my final decision. "We'll proceed with 4-star for all my retinue."

"Excellent choice, nya! That's nine credits total—three per shipgirl as specified, nya. Please confirm the purchase." Akashi nods approvingly and retrieves a sophisticated digital tablet, her fingers moving rapidly as she inputs the detailed order specifications.

I review the transaction details one final time and authorize the expenditure.

"Confirmed and processing, nya!" Akashi gestures enthusiastically toward three large, remarkably sophisticated-looking cylindrical capsules positioned prominently behind her station. "All three of you, please step directly into the designated capsules, nya! These are specialized integration units that handle complete equipment replacement and comprehensive system optimization—don't overthink the technical process, just relax completely and let technology work its magic, nya!"

Too many nyas. It got old really fast.

The three shipgirls exchange glances; Atago looking curious and excited, Kawakaze maintaining her characteristic stoic composure, and Asanagi still visibly pouty about being denied 6-star treatment—before approaching their respective assigned capsules with varying degrees of enthusiasm.

They step carefully inside the cylindrical chambers, and the reinforced doors seal shut with sharp pneumatic hisses and mechanical locks engaging. Above each capsule, bright digital timers materialize displaying "10 SECONDS" in luminous numbers.

Ten seconds? 

Those machines are that good?.

The synchronized countdown begins immediately.

I watch as the counter reaches zero.

The capsule doors open automatically in perfect synchronization and revealing the newly upgraded shipgirls.

All three step out looking amazed, immediately examining their bodies with obvious wonder before closing their eyes. They're suddenly engulfed by brilliant white light for a moment before the radiance fades, revealing them with their newly integrated equipment manifested in physical form.

The transformation is noticeable from the get go. They're now equipped with substantially more numerous and visibly larger-caliber cannons, torpedoes, reinforced hulls, and other enhanced components. Before they only had a couple of cannons and looked small.

"This is... absolutely incredible!" Atago exclaims with unrestrained enthusiasm, flexing her fingers experimentally and carefully checking all her new additions. "I can feel the difference immediately—everything's significantly more responsive, more powerful, more refined! The targeting calculation systems are so much clearer and faster—I can track multiple targets simultaneously now!"

Kawakaze nods, her joy breaking through her normally stoic demeanor. "Weapon response time has improved by approximately 60% percent. Speed and maneuverability feel a lot better. Structural hull integrity calculations indicate significant reinforcement. This represents a major * combat effectiveness upgrade that will meaningfully impact engagement outcomes."

Even Asanagi has completely forgotten her earlier theatrical pouting, spinning around excitedly to thoroughly examine her rigging from every possible angle. "Okay, I have to admit it—4-star is actually pretty amazing! I feel like I could take on an entire enemy fleet by myself now!" She pauses for dramatic effect, then adds with her typical irrepressible mischievous grin, "Though 6-star would still objectively be better and more appropriate for someone of my caliber, Commander~"

"Don't push your luck, Asanagi," But ignoring that brat I'm satisfied with the purchase, now they should be more than capable of facing the aquatic behemoths or obliterate any land behemoth.

This investment was worth every credit.

"Well, I suppose... I mean, it's about time you properly recognized my exceptional value and significant contribution to this team! But I guess it shows you're not completely hopeless as a Commander." Asanagi adjusts her hair with exaggerated nonchalance, though a distinct pink flush is clearly appearing on her cheeks. "And don't think this means I'm going to go easy on you or show you any special treatment or anything! If anything, now that I have this, I have even higher performance standards to maintain, so you'd better keep up with my expectations and—"

I roll my eyes at her predictable behaviour and reach out, placing my hand directly on top of her head with gentle firmness, effectively cutting off her increasingly flustered speech mid-sentence.

Asanagi freezes completely, her entire body going rigid with shock as her ears and multiple tails perk up simultaneously in surprise. "Wh-what are you—! Don't just casually pat my head like I'm some kind of pet or child!" But her protests grow noticeably weaker and less convincing as I continue the gentle, rhythmic head patting, her voice gradually trailing off into increasingly incoherent mumbling as her face becomes progressively red.

Her ears flatten slightly against her head in submission, and despite her verbal protests continuing weakly, she doesn't actually pull away or make any effort to stop me. In fact, she unconsciously leans ever so slightly into my hand, her eyes half-closing.

"You're welcome, Asanagi," I say simply with quiet satisfaction, before turning my gaze to address everyone present. "You've all earned these upgrades through your consistent dedication to our cause."

"F-fine! Whatever! I accept your gratitude or recognition or whatever this  gesture is supposed to be!" Asanagi finally manages to step back abruptly, looking literally anywhere except directly at me, her face still flushed. "But don't think you can just casually pat my head whenever you want to shut me up or calm me down! You... you insensitive brute!"

Despite her words, her tails are swishing contentedly behind her—a complete betrayal of her actual emotional state.

Yep, absolutely typical Asanagi behavior.

"Now, now, Asanagi-chan~" Atago glides up behind her and gently grasps her shoulders, leaning in close with a wickedly mischievous smile. "Where does all that aggressive attitude and false bravado come from, hmm? Especially after what happened that particular evening in the Commander's private quarters when you—"

"I DID NOT DO ANYTHING!" Asanagi shrieks with absolute panic, her voice cracking as her face turns an even deeper shade of crimson. "NOTHING HAPPENED! YOU'RE MAKING THINGS UP! STOP SPREADING MALICIOUS LIES, ATAGO!"

Nothing as in getting fingered to the point of becoming a trembling mess.

Kawakaze's expression remains carefully neutral and professionally composed, but I catch the smallest hint of an amused smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

"Nya~? Such wonderfully lively and energetic shipgirls you have assembled, Commander!" Akashi comments cheerfully from her station. "You must spoil them and pamper them quite generously, nya!"

I shake my head with resignation at the ongoing chaos. "Come on, everyone. Let's head back."

"Yes, Commander~" Atago responds immediately, smoothly releasing Asanagi and falling into step beside me, her expression radiating satisfaction at successfully flustering her friend

"Understood, Commander," Kawakaze confirms with a crisp, professional nod.

"F-fine! Be like that!" Asanagi huffs dramatically, her arms crossed defensively. But despite her protests, she quickly catches up to walk deliberately on my other side, positioning herself closer. 

I notice her occasionally glancing up at me when she thinks I'm not looking. Honestly, I really should just finish what I started with her to have her mellow down.

-------------------------------------------------

I'm standing on a mountain cliff that provides an excellent view of the mining town below. I zoom in with my enhanced vision, methodically scanning the settlement's layout and observing the daily routines.

Everything appears to be moving with complete normalcy—workers trudging between shifts, guards conducting their patrols, supply vehicles making their scheduled deliveries. Nothing suggests heightened alert status or unusual security measures.

That means they aren’t aware of our presence in the area. A complete surprise attack—exactly what we needed and planned.

Good news indeed.

I have my assault force positioned and ready in concealed positions throughout the mountain terrain. A convoy of transport vehicles stands prepared to evacuate the population and, if possible, commandeer the mining town's own vehicles and heavy equipment. Trifa has already marked all strategically important buildings —the command center, communications hub, barracks, armory, power distribution facility and storages.

"COMMANDER, COMPREHENSIVE AREA SCAN COMPLETE. NO GRIMM SIGNATURES DETECTED WITHIN FIVE-KILOMETER RADIUS. CONDITIONS OPTIMAL FOR THE OPERATION."

Perfect. The last thing we need is a behemoth or tide wandering into the middle of our work.

"Pod, you're cleared to proceed with the first phase. Execute the cyber attack."

"UNDERSTOOD."

I watch intently as Pod carefully and stealthily descends from the sky, his small blocky form nearly invisible against the darkening sky as he maneuvers toward the building Trifa identified as the primary energy control station. 

I shift my attention to the visible defensive systems—automated turrets mounted on strategic positions, combat drones conducting aerial patrols near the main entrance, and the security robots standing guard at key checkpoints.

Then, without warning or fanfare, they all simultaneously drop lifelessly to the ground.

The automated turrets power down their barrels sagging. The drones literally fall from the sky, crashing into the ground and sometimes breaking. The security robots collapse where they stand.

The human guards react with immediate confusion and alarm, shouting to each other and rushing toward the fallen machines.

"OVERRIDE CONTROL COMPLETE, COMMANDER," Pod reports with mechanical satisfaction. "ALL PRIMARY SYSTEMS COMPROMISED. BACKUP GENERATORS LOCKED OUT. COMMUNICATIONS ARRAY DISABLED. SECURITY NETWORK UNDER MY COMPLETE CONTROL. THE FACILITY IS BLIND AND DEFENSELESS."

I allow myself a cold, satisfied smirk.

I switch communication channels to address the assault force. "All units, proceed with the attack."

"Very well, High Leader," comes the immediate response from Fennec's voice "All teams moving to assault positions now."

The liberation of Ironvein has begun.